Victim Advocate

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Spokane, WA

About The Position

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. The Victim Advocate provides support, crisis intervention, and general, medical, and legal advocacy for primary and/or secondary survivors of crime. Services are offered in collaboration with criminal and civil justice providers and other systems as appropriate and requested by the community. The Victim Advocate informs and refers to resources and specific wrap-around support so people can make informed and empowered decisions. Provide crisis intervention as needed, in and out of facility, to people who are primary or secondary victims of crime Foster collaboration with team members and community providers to deliver culturally appropriate services that empower and cater to the needs of survivors, including BIPOC, refugee, and immigrant populations, while staying informed about available resources for these specific communities Maintain compliance with program and documentation requirements, dictates of legal system, accreditation and training standards and any other requirements in support of service delivery Provides phone coverage and crisis response on designated shifts, secures a replacement for designated shifts as needed, and fills-in for team members as needed on their shifts Medical advocacy including but not limited to informing survivors of their rights in medical settings; assisting survivors in making informed decisions about medical care; providing information on medical care/concerns; providing support at medical exams and appointments; and providing information about Crime Victim Compensation and helping to locate providers Legal Advocacy including but not limited to assistance in making informed decisions about reporting to law enforcement or other entities; informing survivors of their rights in legal settings; providing information about the criminal justice system, civil remedies, and dependency/family/juvenile court proceedings; preparing survivor for court hearings/trials; supporting survivor at interviews, trial, sentencing, and post-conviction; assisting with civil protection orders, criminal no contact orders, and more; actively monitoring case with survivor permission; and assisting with connection to legal service in the community

Requirements

1 year of related lived or professional experience
Adheres to and applies established operational processes in a timely, appropriate way
Thrives in a diverse and multicultural environment
HS diploma or equivalent /substantial relevant experience will be considered in place of degree
Victim Advocacy is required upon hire and is provided by LCSNW.
Fluency in English, both spoken and written
Basic mastery of Google Suite and Microsoft 365 applications; and case management software
Uses a trauma-informed lens to navigate challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers; demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation.
Works with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies to enhance end-user experiences throughout the service lifecycle.
Successfully completes tasks in a low noise environment
Interacts with others and performs tasks in-person and through the use of technology, with moderate periods of stationary activity and moderate periods of increased physical activity
Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 10 pounds
Travels between worksites regularly; requires valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and motor vehicle records clearance
Works in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, and faith-based settings such as churches
Meets LCSNW criminal background clearance requirements; WSP and/or ORCHARDS

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention as needed, in and out of facility, to people who are primary or secondary victims of crime
Foster collaboration with team members and community providers to deliver culturally appropriate services that empower and cater to the needs of survivors, including BIPOC, refugee, and immigrant populations, while staying informed about available resources for these specific communities
Maintain compliance with program and documentation requirements, dictates of legal system, accreditation and training standards and any other requirements in support of service delivery
Provides phone coverage and crisis response on designated shifts, secures a replacement for designated shifts as needed, and fills-in for team members as needed on their shifts
Medical advocacy including but not limited to informing survivors of their rights in medical settings; assisting survivors in making informed decisions about medical care; providing information on medical care/concerns; providing support at medical exams and appointments; and providing information about Crime Victim Compensation and helping to locate providers
Legal Advocacy including but not limited to assistance in making informed decisions about reporting to law enforcement or other entities; informing survivors of their rights in legal settings; providing information about the criminal justice system, civil remedies, and dependency/family/juvenile court proceedings; preparing survivor for court hearings/trials; supporting survivor at interviews, trial, sentencing, and post-conviction; assisting with civil protection orders, criminal no contact orders, and more; actively monitoring case with survivor permission; and assisting with connection to legal service in the community

Benefits

A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
12 paid agency recognized holidays
2 floating holidays to use your way
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status